A round Apple Watch Series 3 could debut next to the iPhone 8

A new report has revealed that a redesigned Apple Watch Series 3 could be ready for launch alongside the premium iPhone 8 later this year.

First mention of a new Apple Watch was found in HomePod firmware this weekend, and now a new report has indicated that Apple could be readying a redesigned Apple Watch Series 3 for debut before the close of the year.

Where iOS developers managed to find code pointing to the existence of a forthcoming, LTE-enabled Apple Watch, Apple analyst and insider John Gruber has reported that Apple is developing a redesigned wearable that may (finally) embrace a round form-factor.

Last week, Bloomberg cited that Apple would move to release an Apple Watch Series 3 next to the announcement of the iPhone 7s, 7s Plus, and iPhone 8 – marking one of the most sizeable updates to its iOS and watchOS lineup since their inception.

The presence of LTE connectivity might further equate to the first independent Apple Watch, given that the unit might be able to handle notifications and messages independent of an iPhone through a mobile connection. It remains uncertain, however, whether the smart watch will be able to make or receive calls without the aid of an iPhone.

The news follows on from reports late last year that indicated that the Cupertino company was mired in the development of an LTE-enabled Apple Watch, and that the firm was forced to stop short of its goal thanks to power issues that saw the wearable quickly sapped of its battery life thanks to handling a mobile connection.

Another, far more unconventional idea has been cited in that Apple has reportedly investigated the feasibility of developing a modular Apple Watch strap that could leverage individual links to service as expandable features such as additional battery capacity, or an LTE/SIM module itself.